What to Do When the Trunk Won't Open?
4 Answers
You can choose to use the car key to open the trunk at its location, but some vehicles do not have a keyhole for the trunk, requiring alternative methods. First, open the driver's side door of the Luxgen, then press the trunk switch located on the left A-pillar near the driver to open the trunk. By long-pressing or pressing the relevant button on the key, you can open the trunk. If the trunk lock is aged or damaged, preventing the trunk from opening, it is necessary to promptly send the car to a 4S shop for repair and maintenance.
As a car owner with years of driving experience, I've dealt with the trouble of a trunk not opening several times. The most common cause is a dead remote control battery, in which case inserting the physical key into the lock cylinder will do the trick. Sometimes the trunk lock gets stuck, and gently tapping the trunk lid or spraying some rust remover for lubrication can help. If it's an electronic control system failure, such as a blown fuse, locate the corresponding 10-amp fuse in the car's engine compartment fuse box and replace it with a new one. In winter, if the trunk is frozen, pour some warm water over it but be careful not to damage the sealing strips with hot water. If these methods don't work, it might be a broken lock assembly or lost electronic signal. It's best not to force it open to avoid structural damage and instead take it directly to a professional auto repair shop for inspection. As a habit, regularly clean the trunk area to prevent dust buildup and avoid minor issues.
I'm a daily commuter who drives to work. Last time when I returned from a business trip, the trunk wouldn't open no matter what, almost causing me to miss an important document. Later I found out it was because too much luggage was packed inside, pressing down on the locking mechanism. The problem was solved after reorganizing and reducing the load. Another time, I forgot that my smart key ran out of battery, but temporarily replacing it with a new one restored normal function. In summer when it's too hot, electronic components may overheat and malfunction - waiting in a shaded area before trying again often works. A safety reminder: avoid continuously pressing the remote buttons as this may trigger the system's protection mode and cause it to lock. Be patient and try again after a few minutes. Now I always check if the trunk lock mechanism moves freely after each use, and spray antifreeze before weather changes to prevent winter freezing. Developing simple maintenance habits helps avoid sudden problems that could disrupt your trip and mood.
Having worked in the auto repair industry for so long, I always start diagnosing trunk issues from the basics: first, confirm that the key or remote is functioning properly, as insufficient battery power is a common issue; then check the trunk release switch, usually located under the dashboard, ensuring it's not stuck; next, inspect the fuse box, typically near the driver's seat—if a large 15-amp fuse is blown, replacing it can often resolve the issue. For mechanical problems, realign the lock cylinder or linkage if they're dislodged. If the electronic control module fails, use a diagnostic scanner to read error codes and pinpoint the cause—avoid random repairs. A frequent mistake is users forcefully pulling the trunk lid, which can break the linkage and increase repair costs. I recommend following the manufacturer's manual step-by-step to troubleshoot issues, saving both time and effort.
